The North Coast

The gateway to Northern Honduras luxury adventure lies along the North Coast, the country’s official ecotourism thoroughfare. Stretching dramatically toward the Caribbean, this region is a seduction of lush natural wonders and easygoing Afro-Caribbean character. Isolated and unpopulated white sand beaches find themselves interrupted by small fishing villages and the occasional fading colonial city center, only to be embraced by large patches of verdant jungle reserves, mangrove swamps, and botanical gardens. The Spanish conquistadors and Garífuna natives first entered the country here, leaving in their wake a set of colonial-era forts still standing guard in Trujillo and an engrained identity as the world’s foremost banana republic. Indeed, the presence of Dole and Chiquita labeled plantations filling the narrow coastal plain remain a constant reminder of Honduras’ most recognizable export.

For all of its agribusiness, the North Coast’s most lucrative asset is actually its swelling tourism industry. American retirees are building homes alongside mestizo locals, hiking trails are quickly being carved through the national parks, zip lines are straddling an ever-growing tree canopy surface area, serious birders are migrating to the area just like their subjects, and stylish jungle lodges and yoga centers are popping up on any plantation that will have them. This striking eruption in eco-tourism is perhaps most visible in Pico Bonito National Park, an epic cloud forest known for its raft-worth white waters, excellent hiking trails, towering waterfalls, and abundant populations of jaguars, armadillos, and monkeys. With the elusive manatees of the Cuero y Salado mangroves and the howler monkeys of Parque Nacional Jeannette Kawas also nearby, there is no escaping the Northern Honduras luxury adventure to be had here.

Connecting all of these national parks and wildlife areas is La Ceiba—“la novia de Honduras”—a small fishing village turned Honduras ecotourism capital. Despite its role as the gateway to the Bay Islands and surrounding reserves, La Ceiba is famous all on its own for its outstanding white water rafting, spattering of natural hot springs, luxury eco-lodge options, and local party atmosphere. Whether the first impression or final lingering taste, La Ceiba is an essential stop on any Northern Honduras luxury adventure.

Contact Ker & Downey to experience true Northern Honduras luxury adventure by incorporating Ceiba and the stunning North Coast into your next Central American journey.